The Best State To Visit For Sober Travel
Connecticut is often a target for families who are eager to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City but live within striking distance in an upscale community. Living in the 'burbs isn't so bad, and the state is growing awareness for travelers of all ages and all drinking persuasions! CT has a growing brewery community, but their attention to detail in the non-alcoholic space has sober travelers buzzing to visit buzz-free. From a nationally acclaimed non-alcoholic brewery that recently partnered with Chef Guy Fieri’s Flavortown to Kombucha taprooms, holistic wellness activities, the country's top-ranked spa resort, and more—here's a glimpse into Connecticut's best attractions for those seeking sober travel experiences.
DRINK THE DRINKS
Courtesy of Athletic Brewing
- Non-Alcoholic Beers and Liquors: Explore a refreshing sober experience at Athletic Brewing Company, Milford: Discover the pioneering world of exceptional nonalcoholic brews at the award-winning Athletic Brewing Company which has revolutionized the nonalcoholic beer industry. Athletic Brewing started in Connecticut and features a taproom that travelers can visit and sample some of its best-selling brews including Run Wild IPA, Free Wave hazy IPA, and Upside Down golden. Not a fan of beer? Try sparkling water infused with hops called Daypack in a range of delicious flavors.
- Effervescent Escapes: Kombucha Taprooms for a Bubbly Detox Experience: Kombucha is a refreshing alternative for an alcohol-free lifestyle. Cross Culture Kombucha Taproom & Bottle Shop in Danbury crafts delicious and pure kombucha blends such as Blueberry Ginger, Earl Grey, and Hibiscus Elder Berry. East Coast Kombucha is another local brewery that specializes in organic and probiotic-packed kombucha, with a range of flavors. Additionally, they offer kombucha + CBD blend made with Hempworth CBD.
- Mocktail Menus: At Sheerkaan Restaurant in New Haven, explore a diverse array of non-alcoholic twists on classic Indian beverage like Tiger’s Milk and Nimbu Pani, known as Indian Gatorade. In Simsbury, Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar boasts a menu brimming with non-alcoholic mocktails, like the Cinderella, the Virgin Mojito, and a Virgin Paloma. Shell and Bones in New Haven presents a selection of artisanal mocktails dubbed as Temperance Cocktails. For a refreshing treat, Eli’s in Branford features a menu with a variety of fruity mocktails and hand-crafted Italian sodas.
DO THE THINGS
Courtesy of UConn Athletics
- Hiking: Discover why Connecticut was recently named the #1 state in America for hiking. The state boasts a network of over 2,000 miles of multi-use trails, with sections of the renowned Appalachian Trail and picturesque bike paths winding through charming towns and parks. Connecticut also features 142 state parks and forests, offering a tapestry of outdoor experiences—from invigorating hikes and serene fishing spots to camping under star-studded skies and thrilling rock-climbing escapades.
- Sports: Experience the excitement of a UConn men’s basketball game or a Quinnipiac men’s hockey game, celebrating two recent national champions in their respective sports. Witness future NHL stars in action with the New York Rangers affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack, or catch the New York Islanders affiliate Bridgeport Islanders during the hockey season. Embrace the spring and summer seasons at a Hartford Yard Goats baseball game—recognized for having the best Double-A stadium in the country.
- Performing arts: Experience the performing arts with tickets to a captivating show at one of Connecticut’s Tony-award-winning, historic theaters, such as Hartford Stage in Hartford or The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, which are both known for producing and debuting extraordinary shows before they hit Broadway.
- Adrenaline: For an adrenaline rush, conquer icy heights with Ascent Climbing in New Haven or go for a guided UTV snow tour with Backyard Adventures in Canaan. Visitors can also try snow biking at Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort and ice fishing at various pounds and lakes throughout the state including Bantam Lake in Morris, Highland Lake in Winchester, Coventry Lake in Coventry, and Lake Waramaug in New Preston.
- Wellness: More than just a trend, salt caves have become a popular choice for relaxation and detoxification. At Soulshine Salt Cavern, sink into an anti-gravity chair, listen to serene ocean sounds, and breathe in purifying salt for an enchanting experience. Salt Cave of Darien offers various options, from salt caves and rooms, slow flow yoga, aerial fusion, hypnotherapy, and indulgent spa treatments. Meanwhile, Grota Solna Salt Cavecollaborates with local teachers for guided meditation, paint and sip sessions, soothing sound baths, and more, expanding its offerings beyond the cave experience. Cryotherapy continues to be a sought-after trend for rejuvenation. Caveman Cryotherapy offers cryotherapy, dynamic compression, saunas, and a variety of massages like Swedish and deep tissue. At iCryo in Fairfield and Branford, experience whole body cryotherapy, red light therapy, iV drip therapy, infrared sauna, compression therapy, and ozone ultraviolet iV therapy for a comprehensive wellness approach.
